Council 'will have to look again' at ambitious urban regeneration plans after multi-million pound funding blow

A COUNCIL leader has bemoaned the loss millions of pounds in public funding that has left an urban regeneration masterplan with an uncertain future.

The Northern Echo reported on Thursday (January 30) that Darlington Borough Council’s flagship Town Centre Fringe project had been denied investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) worth up to £20m.

The project is aimed at revitalising run down areas on the edge of Darlington town centre, including the banks of the River Skerne.

Loading article content

It was to have included provision for the development of some 650 homes, including affordable housing.

The loss of HCA support has caused the council to more than halve its expectation of the number of homes the project will eventually include.

Council leader Bill Dixon said the funding that had been due to come from the HCA was ‘legacy money’ left over after the closure of regional development agency (RDA) One North East.

Asked whether the loss of funding was a major blow for the Town Centre Fringe, he replied: “It’s not good, because we were promised that money.

“It was recycled from the old RDA and what we think is going to happen is that the Treasury is basically going to take it back.

“That is North-East money that was to be used for projects such as this.

“Now we have been told that the Treasury is not in a position to honour it.

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”

Asked what the loss of such a large chunk of potential funding meant for the future of the project, Coun Dixon added: “We will have to look again to see what we can afford.

“Some of the land will not be built on immediately that was going to be.

“We will need to go back to the plans and see what we can afford.”

The cabinet meets on Tuesday (February 4), when the Town Centre Fringe is likely to be discussed as part of a debate about plans to sell off council-owned land for future housing developments.

Comments

delboy1977
6:13pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????

Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????delboy1977

Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????

Score: 35

roaduser98
6:14pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??roaduser98

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

Score: 8

delboy1977
6:16pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Would have only wasted it on painting cycle paths that go nowhere !!

Would have only wasted it on painting cycle paths that go nowhere !!delboy1977

Would have only wasted it on painting cycle paths that go nowhere !!

Score: 18

informnorth
6:20pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Get ready for a year of this sort of thing - this government is going to be drip feeding us good news stories in the hope we believe they are the safe pair of hands we need in the next election. At the same time they are employing underhand ways of taking away essential funding and services away and privatising everything they can including large parts of the NHS and things that we desperately need.
It isn't just Bill Dixon that should be 'bemoaning' this, the Northern Echo is supposed to be a campaigning champion and shouldn't sit on the sidelines as our communities are eroded. What has happened to a voice that creates real action and lasting beneficial change?
Something has to alter but we have to ask ourselves, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, if we seriously think it will happen any time soon or, aptly enough, in the Year of the Horse?

Get ready for a year of this sort of thing - this government is going to be drip feeding us good news stories in the hope we believe they are the safe pair of hands we need in the next election. At the same time they are employing underhand ways of taking away essential funding and services away and privatising everything they can including large parts of the NHS and things that we desperately need.
It isn't just Bill Dixon that should be 'bemoaning' this, the Northern Echo is supposed to be a campaigning champion and shouldn't sit on the sidelines as our communities are eroded. What has happened to a voice that creates real action and lasting beneficial change?
Something has to alter but we have to ask ourselves, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, if we seriously think it will happen any time soon or, aptly enough, in the Year of the Horse?informnorth

Get ready for a year of this sort of thing - this government is going to be drip feeding us good news stories in the hope we believe they are the safe pair of hands we need in the next election. At the same time they are employing underhand ways of taking away essential funding and services away and privatising everything they can including large parts of the NHS and things that we desperately need.
It isn't just Bill Dixon that should be 'bemoaning' this, the Northern Echo is supposed to be a campaigning champion and shouldn't sit on the sidelines as our communities are eroded. What has happened to a voice that creates real action and lasting beneficial change?
Something has to alter but we have to ask ourselves, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, if we seriously think it will happen any time soon or, aptly enough, in the Year of the Horse?

Score: 12

delboy1977
6:23pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Town centre fringe !!!! pmsl

Town centre fringe !!!! pmsldelboy1977

Town centre fringe !!!! pmsl

Score: 11

Darloresident
7:10pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building.
All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free.
Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead??
Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building.
All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free.
Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead??
Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)Darloresident

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building.
All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free.
Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead??
Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Score: 28

oliviaden6
7:10pm Thu 30 Jan 14

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????oliviaden6

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Score: 25

Jackaranda
7:34pm Thu 30 Jan 14

roaduser98 wrote…

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!!

[quote][p][bold]roaduser98[/bold] wrote:
Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??[/p][/quote]No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!!Jackaranda

roaduser98 wrote…

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!!

Score: 22

youcantdenythetruth
8:11pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Jackaranda wrote…

roaduser98 wrote…

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!!

They will always find the money for more gypos.

[quote][p][bold]Jackaranda[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]roaduser98[/bold] wrote:
Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??[/p][/quote]No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!![/p][/quote]They will always find the money for more gypos.youcantdenythetruth

Jackaranda wrote…

roaduser98 wrote…

Does this mean the new car park, cinema etc in the proposed re-development of the town centre may not go ahead??

No one knows, the only guarantee is more pitches for Ali Baba and the 40 thieves!!

They will always find the money for more gypos.

Score: 19

Lifetime Townie
8:37pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Town Center fringe? I'm all for improving the town but some of this scheme was just a load of nonsense. There are more important needs in the town than a wasting public money on this job

Town Center fringe? I'm all for improving the town but some of this scheme was just a load of nonsense. There are more important needs in the town than a wasting public money on this jobLifetime Townie

Town Center fringe? I'm all for improving the town but some of this scheme was just a load of nonsense. There are more important needs in the town than a wasting public money on this job

Score: 13

Stewed
9:45pm Thu 30 Jan 14

Whether or not the council would waste this money or not is one thing, but the fact this money which should be kept in the north east is being put back into Central government coffers is a disgrace.

Seems investment for the South is more important for this government than redevelopment in the north. Sad news.

Whether or not the council would waste this money or not is one thing, but the fact this money which should be kept in the north east is being put back into Central government coffers is a disgrace.
Seems investment for the South is more important for this government than redevelopment in the north. Sad news.Stewed

Whether or not the council would waste this money or not is one thing, but the fact this money which should be kept in the north east is being put back into Central government coffers is a disgrace.

Seems investment for the South is more important for this government than redevelopment in the north. Sad news.

Score: 9

loan_star
10:33pm Thu 30 Jan 14

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

[quote][p][bold]oliviaden6[/bold] wrote:
I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????[/p][/quote]Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.loan_star

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

Score: 5

snudge
3:24am Fri 31 Jan 14

Always was pie in the sky. Big ideas don't work out blame someone else!!

Always was pie in the sky. Big ideas don't work out blame someone else!!snudge

Always was pie in the sky. Big ideas don't work out blame someone else!!

Score: 8

thevoiceofthevoiceless
7:48am Fri 31 Jan 14

Why doesn't our beloved MP take this to parliament as this affects the regeneration of the whole town rather than spend our time and money with the Orange staff whining about nothing

Why doesn't our beloved MP take this to parliament as this affects the regeneration of the whole town rather than spend our time and money with the Orange staff whining about nothingthevoiceofthevoiceless

Why doesn't our beloved MP take this to parliament as this affects the regeneration of the whole town rather than spend our time and money with the Orange staff whining about nothing

Score: 4

pager11
11:01am Fri 31 Jan 14

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to.
We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to.
We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.pager11

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to.
We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

Score: 10

Lifetime Townie
8:46pm Fri 31 Jan 14

loan_star wrote…

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town center

[quote][p][bold]loan_star[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]oliviaden6[/bold] wrote:
I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????[/p][/quote]Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.[/p][/quote]Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town centerLifetime Townie

loan_star wrote…

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town center

Score: 16

JJ2000
9:46pm Sat 1 Feb 14

Until money has change hands, there is no deal or agreement in place regardless of how many hands you shake, events you attend or meals you treat people to.

Any responsible leader would be fully aware of this.

However, those people with high egos and narcissistic levels of expectation often find themselves in this position. And, believe it or not, always bemoan that these things are out of their control and had nothing to do with them.
Even though it's their responsibility to make sure the deals are signed first!

Until money has change hands, there is no deal or agreement in place regardless of how many hands you shake, events you attend or meals you treat people to.
Any responsible leader would be fully aware of this.
However, those people with high egos and narcissistic levels of expectation often find themselves in this position. And, believe it or not, always bemoan that these things are out of their control and had nothing to do with them.
Even though it's their responsibility to make sure the deals are signed first!JJ2000

Until money has change hands, there is no deal or agreement in place regardless of how many hands you shake, events you attend or meals you treat people to.

Any responsible leader would be fully aware of this.

However, those people with high egos and narcissistic levels of expectation often find themselves in this position. And, believe it or not, always bemoan that these things are out of their control and had nothing to do with them.
Even though it's their responsibility to make sure the deals are signed first!

Score: 4

Spy Boy
9:23am Mon 3 Feb 14

Lifetime Townie wrote…

loan_star wrote…

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town center

The demise of the town centre is a national thing since recession, but our council are doing nothing to help our shops and shop owners. There will soon be a point of no return when the whole town will not be able to bob back again. Two things come to mind : The parking and this stupid BID thing that takes even more money from shops and businesses. No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up. Is this correct ? If these grasping council execs keep this up, the town centre will be so depressed that people will go elsewhere. It's already happening. Time for a big change at the Town Hall.

[quote][p][bold]Lifetime Townie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]loan_star[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]oliviaden6[/bold] wrote:
I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????[/p][/quote]Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.[/p][/quote]Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town center[/p][/quote]The demise of the town centre is a national thing since recession, but our council are doing nothing to help our shops and shop owners. There will soon be a point of no return when the whole town will not be able to bob back again. Two things come to mind : The parking and this stupid BID thing that takes even more money from shops and businesses. No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up. Is this correct ? If these grasping council execs keep this up, the town centre will be so depressed that people will go elsewhere. It's already happening. Time for a big change at the Town Hall.Spy Boy

Lifetime Townie wrote…

loan_star wrote…

oliviaden6 wrote…

I wonder if that Debenhams have kicked Darlington into touch? What will happen to the loans that were sought for this plan, i wonder if the monies are being used for the development of the cinema complex instead.
Why can we never get a straight answer from DBC is it too much to ask for this council and its officers to honest and open, suppose not they may be found out?????

Debenhams pulled out a few weeks ago.

Debenhams are having a hard time in the retain trade and their business would show that there would be no commercial advantage in opening up in Darlington. And look around the town, It,s dead with empty shops on High Row, the main shopping area of the town. Aswell as the economic climate I believe the council played a big part in running down the town center

The demise of the town centre is a national thing since recession, but our council are doing nothing to help our shops and shop owners. There will soon be a point of no return when the whole town will not be able to bob back again. Two things come to mind : The parking and this stupid BID thing that takes even more money from shops and businesses. No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up. Is this correct ? If these grasping council execs keep this up, the town centre will be so depressed that people will go elsewhere. It's already happening. Time for a big change at the Town Hall.

Score: 9

roaduser98
6:57pm Tue 4 Feb 14

Quote:
No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up

Could this be a repeat performance of the debacle in Durham market place where it cost £18 million just to resurface the square and move statue of a horse and rider. The whole thing is a shambles and is costing who know how much to keep it maintained after repeated 20-20 vision of delivery drivers. The markets held in the square, which have are nothing but a sham of euro travelers selling continental rubbish. (they say its food). CCTV cameras seek out the Christmas tree revelers and fail miserably. Probably not working at all. But never mind the Police force awarding themselves an extra 2% council tax increase should be able to resolve this case eventually.

Quote:
No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up
Could this be a repeat performance of the debacle in Durham market place where it cost £18 million just to resurface the square and move statue of a horse and rider. The whole thing is a shambles and is costing who know how much to keep it maintained after repeated 20-20 vision of delivery drivers. The markets held in the square, which have are nothing but a sham of euro travelers selling continental rubbish. (they say its food). CCTV cameras seek out the Christmas tree revelers and fail miserably. Probably not working at all. But never mind the Police force awarding themselves an extra 2% council tax increase should be able to resolve this case eventually.roaduser98

Quote:
No one wanted it and the money just gets eaten up by going into certain people's pockets. I heard that the leader of this project, that already gets over £120,000 salary now gets another £20,000 for heading this up

Could this be a repeat performance of the debacle in Durham market place where it cost £18 million just to resurface the square and move statue of a horse and rider. The whole thing is a shambles and is costing who know how much to keep it maintained after repeated 20-20 vision of delivery drivers. The markets held in the square, which have are nothing but a sham of euro travelers selling continental rubbish. (they say its food). CCTV cameras seek out the Christmas tree revelers and fail miserably. Probably not working at all. But never mind the Police force awarding themselves an extra 2% council tax increase should be able to resolve this case eventually.

Score: 7

Lifetime Townie
7:24pm Tue 4 Feb 14

delboy1977 wrote…

Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????

Why do we need more homes when there are hundreds of good empty houses in the town?? It seems that this is another project that we don't need but if it does go ahead we can expect the same type of financial incompetence from the council that we got, at our expense, on the town center and ETC jobs. They were £millions over budget.

[quote][p][bold]delboy1977[/bold] wrote:
Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????[/p][/quote]Why do we need more homes when there are hundreds of good empty houses in the town?? It seems that this is another project that we don't need but if it does go ahead we can expect the same type of financial incompetence from the council that we got, at our expense, on the town center and ETC jobs. They were £millions over budget.Lifetime Townie

delboy1977 wrote…

Well that was a stroke of luck !!! I recently put my house up for sale, we moved out and i called the council to declare it empty and to take advantage of the reduction offered for empty property, only to be told it doesnt apply in darlington anymore so i must pay in full whilst its empty ! 6 months later i have sold it but had to pay council tax on two properties....the reason i was told that darlington now charge is (quote DBC) "DARLINGTON HAS A LOT OF EMPTY PROPERTY" so tell me Bill why do we need 650 homes ?????

Why do we need more homes when there are hundreds of good empty houses in the town?? It seems that this is another project that we don't need but if it does go ahead we can expect the same type of financial incompetence from the council that we got, at our expense, on the town center and ETC jobs. They were £millions over budget.

Score: 8

Lifetime Townie
7:27pm Tue 4 Feb 14

Do we always need a picture of Coun. Dixon with council articles? He is not looking at his best!!

Do we always need a picture of Coun. Dixon with council articles? He is not looking at his best!!Lifetime Townie

Do we always need a picture of Coun. Dixon with council articles? He is not looking at his best!!

Score: 10

Rosvanian
12:19pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Darloresident wrote…

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.

[quote][p][bold]Darloresident[/bold] wrote:
Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)[/p][/quote]Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.Rosvanian

Darloresident wrote…

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.

Score: 0

Rosvanian
12:21pm Wed 5 Feb 14

pager11 wrote…

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.

Thanks

[quote][p][bold]pager11[/bold] wrote:
“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.[/p][/quote]Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.
ThanksRosvanian

pager11 wrote…

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.

Thanks

Score: -2

Rosvanian
12:34pm Wed 5 Feb 14

As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.

As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.Rosvanian

As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.

Score: -1

Jackaranda
3:36pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Rosvanian wrote…

pager11 wrote…

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.

Thanks

Ali Baba said so!!

[quote][p][bold]Rosvanian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]pager11[/bold] wrote:
“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.[/p][/quote]Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.
Thanks[/p][/quote]Ali Baba said so!!Jackaranda

Rosvanian wrote…

pager11 wrote…

“The annoying thing is this money was promised to us and we went out to public consultation [on the Town Centre Fringe] on the basis that this funding was coming.”, Oh Dear, is this the same as DBC inform us when they HAVE ALREADY DECIDED what new consultations they come up with and pretend they listen to the folk in town, they will know what it feels like now to be lied to. We need a change from Ali Baba and his 40 thieves in cabinet, then we may be awared more cash for the town, there has been plenty of people on here who have mailed Eric Pickles to inform him just what we have ruling our town, Bill et all could be called the Wolf of Feethams, he could play himself instead of Leonardo Dicaprio.

Just for the record and for the good people of Darlington, you've just stated that 40 councillors in the cabinet are thieves. Please provide evidence for this remarkable claim.

Thanks

Ali Baba said so!!

Score: 2

Lifetime Townie
3:54pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Rosvanian wrote…

Darloresident wrote…

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.

True it is a private development but how many expensive man hours have the council used so far on the project, like planning, legal issues, directors time etc I am sure it would add up to a few £100k

[quote][p][bold]Rosvanian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Darloresident[/bold] wrote:
Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)[/p][/quote]Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.[/p][/quote]True it is a private development but how many expensive man hours have the council used so far on the project, like planning, legal issues, directors time etc I am sure it would add up to a few £100kLifetime Townie

Rosvanian wrote…

Darloresident wrote…

Never mind we have the new multi storey car park to look forward to as well as the refurbished lifts and customer service reception in the town hall.Not forgetting the new attached rented out building. All the above of course require no external funding just the council tax payers cash. .Don't suppose as I am paying for the new car park I will be able to park free. Does any Council project that requires external funding ever go ahead?? Now awaiting announcement that cinema etc at feethams will be cancelled (or am I just an old cynic)

Yes, you're just an old cynic. Why is it that people seem to think that DBC is building a cinema using government or council tax money - it's a private development. Repeat, A PRIVATE DEVLOPMENT.

True it is a private development but how many expensive man hours have the council used so far on the project, like planning, legal issues, directors time etc I am sure it would add up to a few £100k

Score: 3

giggitty
2:17pm Thu 6 Feb 14

Rosvanian wrote…

As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.

And so say all of us............. well i do!

[quote][p][bold]Rosvanian[/bold] wrote:
As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.[/p][/quote]And so say all of us............. well i do!giggitty

Rosvanian wrote…

As ever, a story about the council is unleashes a torrent of comments awash with withering cynicism, personal insults, and outlandish claims. All of course, from people who as a rule, tend to not have the faintest clue what they're talking about. Marvellous.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here